Arrests Made In Connection With Murder Of 2 USC Students

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LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Los Angeles police Friday announced the arrests of two suspects in connection with the shooting deaths of two Chinese graduate students who attended the University of Southern California.

“Forensic evidence that was recovered at the scene of the double homicide linked that homicide to two attempt murders in the city of Los Angeles,” Beck said.

“Both Bolden and Barnes were connected to those other two attempt homicides. In addition to that, material evidence which was recovered during this investigation directly linked our victims to both suspects,” he added.

The electrical engineering students were fatally shot about 1 a.m. during a downpour while sitting in Qu’s recently purchased 2003 BMW, which was double-parked in the 2700 block of Raymond Avenue.

Wu was found in the passenger seat and Qu on the steps of a nearby house where he collapsed while trying to summon help, police said.

“These arrests today can’t bring back those lost lives but the efforts of the LAPD in tracking down suspects of such heinous crimes will allow justice to be served,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The suspects, who were being held without bail, have been booked into 77th Street Jail for murder.

They are expected to be arraigned on Tuesday.

USC President C. L. Max Nikias issued a statement Friday evening. “On behalf of the entire Trojan family, I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck and the talented and hardworking team of LAPD investigators. They shared our outrage at this senseless and singular act and worked passionately to reach a resolution. The arrest of the suspects in the tragic deaths of our graduate students, Ying Wu and Ming Qu, begins the process of healing and of closing a painful chapter in the life of our community. We will always mourn the loss of Ying and Ming, but find comfort in the hope of achieving justice.”